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It should be noted particularly that Mr. Robert proposed his <br />rule~ for ~. Rules stating parliamentary law ~ould have <br />applied without adoption. <br /> <br /> It can be pointed out that many of the rules set forth in the <br />Robert's Rules of Order are not parliamentary rules. His whole scheme <br />of a two-thirds vote as parliamentary rule was of his own creation. <br />His complicated rules concerning the motion to reconsider and the <br />motion to rescind are of his own creation as is also a statement <br />that all speeches are to be limited to ten minutes. This may be <br />a practical rule in certain cases where speeches are too long, but <br />in some instances speeches should be limited to less than ten minutes, <br />and in many others no limitation. <br /> <br /> Mr. Robert's rule fixing the time in which to adjourn arose <br />from a temporary experience in Congress where such a motion was set <br />up in one session but abolished at the next, and the motion acquired <br />general recognition solely through its being included in Robert's <br />Rules. <br /> <br /> Another matter of som~ importance is the requirement of seconds <br />to motions. Some centuries ago the practice was used in Parliament <br />but has been obsolete there for some generations. A rule requiring <br />seconds might be advisable in private clubs or associations, but <br />would seem to be inappropriate where me~bers are acting in a repre- <br />sentative capacity. Any member should have the right, in repre- <br />senting his constituents, to place a proposal before the body and <br />have it settled without depending upon the caprice of any other <br />member to seoond the motion.. <br /> <br /> The above is, of course, not intended to cover the field of <br />parliamentary law in its application to city councils and other local <br />legislative bodies, but is intended to introduce the principal <br />considerations and to orient persons interested in procedure in these <br />bodies with some of the basic principles which are applicable. <br /> <br /> Particularly it should be noted that city councils are governed <br />by parliamentary law and that they should be constantly concerned that <br />their procedure conforms to parliamentary law as declared by the <br />Courts which may be reviewing their actions. <br /> <br />-17- <br /> <br /> <br />